Knowledge organisers: what they are and how to use them

Brush up on what an effective knowledge organiser looks like and how to write one. Get tips on how to use them, and take a look at examples from other schools to help you create your own.

Last reviewed on 17 January 2024
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School types: All · School phases: All
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Contents
  1. What is a knowledge organiser?
  2. Who uses them and when?
  3. What makes a good knowledge organiser?
  4. How to write them
  5. Take inspiration from these examples
  6. 10 ways to use knowledge organisers in the classroom
  7. Avoid these common mistakes

What is a knowledge organiser?

A knowledge organiser is a single sheet of paper that lists the important facts – not practical skills – that pupils should know by the end of a unit of work.

Use it as:

Who uses them and when? Senior leaders To give a clear overview of exactly what you expect pupils to learn in each subject (the 'intent') To indicate the level of rigour and expectations for each unit and year group, setting the standard for teachers' planning, regardless of subject Curriculum leaders To identify broad themes over time To  sequence key knowledge for the medium and long